"An American Parent's Guide to Soccer" explains soccer concepts to parents ofyoung players. It's an explanation of how the game is played, and a peek intothe culture surrounding the game.

What has happened to and in American youth soccer over the past fifty years? I will take you on a stroll down memory lane, sharing some of my fondest memories and others I would like to forget; but cannot. Soccer in America has become "All about the money." Some have forgotten it really is, and needs to always be "All about the players" and to develop their lifelong love of and passion for the sport. Parents are willing to pay "whatever the market will bear" as the club and/or coaches charge ever increasing to astronomical fees with the hope to have their child will succeed in obtaining the holy grail of a college soccer scholarship and not let their child fall behind their peers. The problem is that many parents have no idea what is actually going on in America's youth soccer today, what they may soon face, or how to best navigate any of it. The hashtag I use to describe this is #youcantmakethissoccerstuffup. Money Grab $$-A Parents' Guide to American Youth Soccer is an insider's view of the actual soccer player developmental life cycle beginning with recreational FUN then to the drama, pain points, best practice actions and costs of competitive soccer. From just starting in the sport through your player's deveIopmental life cycle, we will share what it takes to enjoy, survive, and possibly even make a professional soccer team and then stay at that level. Having been involved for so long, I have heard this same parents' cry for help and understanding repeatedly, especially in the past few years. Parents who always want to do the best for their player but don't have a clue, or for those who thought they had the clue, only to find out otherwise, need guidance and insight into what is going on. It will be invaluable and settling to understand in advance the decisions parents may face so that they may make the correct ones given the information available or to obtain what is needed to make and intelligent, data-driven decision, what to look for in a coach and, when to run. It will also identify many of the current and potential methods for a variety of folks to take parent's hard-earned money out of their wallets providing little to nothing in return, also known as "Money Grab."

Written by soccer great and championship Stanford coach Bobby Clark, COACHING YOUTH SOCCER: THE BAFFLED PARENT'S GUIDE tells you how, starting at point zero, an uninitiated coach can meld kids into a team and help them enjoy one of the most rewarding experiences of their youth. (In the end, you may be the one who reaps the biggest reward, as you watch kids learn and grow in an experience they'll treasure for a lifetime.)

"Scott and David have done a fantastic job getting into the psyche of these very young players. What I really love is their emphasis on FUN, and that kids learn by DOING. This book will make a great extra assistant as you prepare for your season."—Bobby Clark, Head Soccer Coach, University of Notre Dame; author of the best-selling Coaching Youth Soccer: The Baffled Parent's Guide Coach. You're the new coach of your child's soccer team, and you're not sure how to teach your players the fundamentals of soccer while also ensuring they have fun. Don't panic—Coaching 6-and-Under Soccer is here to help. Coaching 6-and-Under Soccer offers straightforward advice, tips, and techniques, including reward-based games and drills; your first six practices in an easy-to-photocopy format; and how to teach soccer basics to 4-, 5-, and 6-year-olds in ways that are fun for you and your players. This complete tool kit for a new coach includes: The twelve easy-to-run drills that work best with young soccer players How to keep your young players happy and active while they learn How to make parents your best assistants and supporters How to keep the focus where it belongs—not on winning or losing, but on having fun How to have a terrific time coaching young players "Coaching 6-and-Under Soccer shows you how to teach your young players the right way—through lively games that encourage kids to use their creativity and self-expression when playing."—Brandi Chastain, Olympic and World Cup Soccer Champion; author of It's Not About the Bra: Play Hard, Play Fair, and Put the Fun Back into Competitive Sports "I have no doubt that young players will come to love the game of soccer if their coaches follow the simple, straightforward advice in this book."—Anson Dorrance, Head Women's Soccer Coach, University of North Carolina; author of The Vision of a Champion: Advice and Inspiration from the World's Most Successful Women's Soccer Coach "I highly recommend this terrific book to coaches who want to instill good sportsmanship and the love of the game in their young players while building a solid foundation in basic soccer skills and teamwork."—Jeremy Gunn, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Fort Lewis College

Publisher Description

Parents will find in these pages answers to all of their questions concerning their children's participation in soccer--from how the game is played to easy drills and exercises they can do to develop their skills.